FOXP2 ("forkhead box P2") is a
gene that is implicated in the development of
language skills.
Athough FOXP2 exists in many animals, the modern human form of FOXP2 appears to have evolved in Homo sapiens some time in the last 200,000 years.
Some biologists have linked the evolution of the modern human form of FOXP2 with the advent of modern human creativity and culture.
References:
- Lai CSL, Fisher SE, Hurst JA, et al.: A forkhead-domain gene is mutated in a severe speech and language disorder. Nature 2001, 413:519-523.
- Enard W, Przeworski M, Fisher SE, et al.: Molecular evolution of FOXP2, a gene involved in speech and language. Nature 2002, doi:10.1038/nature01025.